In stock Portenzo Wingtip BookCase for Apple iPad 2 / 3 / 4 Portenzo Wingtip BookCase for Apple iPad 2 / 3 / 4 4.0 1

Tablet Cases Reviews

Portenzo Wingtip BookCase for Apple iPad 2 / 3 / 4

By Sean Dosier / August 8, 2012

Editor's Rating 4.0 out of 5 stars 4.0/5 Good User Rating

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Portenzo offers a variety of hardcover book tablet case for the iPad. All are handmade utilizing traditional book-binding methods with quality materials. The Wingtip BookCase is a shiny Buckram book linen design for the iPad 2 or new iPad 3. What makes the case extra special (and unique from many others on the market) is that you can select feature upgrades for configuring the function, in addition to your own customized design.

Pros

Configure your own design
Free iPad screen wallpaper to match case design
Openings for dock, ports and most buttons
Sleep/wake magnet

Cons

Extra cost for rear-camera port
Reliant on default sleep/wake magnet
Potential to be quite pricey

Overview

The Wingtip Edition ($75) is made of classic library Buckram book linen material that is designed to your specifications. At no extra cost, you can select any available color for the exterior, accents, interior lining and the elastic cover strap. Personal embossing is available (+$15), as well as free iPad screen wallpapers for matching your case design.

Overall, the Wingtip is much the same size and weight of any other traditional book bound tablet case. Its wood frame is made of American Maple, which has been hand sanded to a silky smooth finish. Corners contain rubber pad inserts for holding the tablet ultra secure inside. The iPad rests absolutely still, as well as slightly recessed to ensure the cover closes completely flat. This fit also offers the perfect space to store the included micro-suede screen cleaning cloth.

Specifications

Dimensions	8 x .8 x 10 in (WDH)
Type	Book Tablet Case
Tablet	Apple iPad 2
Brand	Portenzo
Color	Custom
SKU	PTZ005CTM100

The frame has openings for the audio-port, volume rocker, screen lock, and dock connector. On/off switch is buried, so the user is reliant on the default sleep/wake magnet in the case cover. Design of the speaker grill port directs the sound toward the user, and the wood also adds a little bass. No opening for the rear-camera, you need to pay extra for that (+$5) - the first of several functional upgrades to consider.

Magna-Grip (+$10) eliminates the elastic band (or not) and adds hidden magnets for secure case closure and a cleaner look. Of course, keeping the elastic strap will maintain that classic Moleskin journal look. Buyers can opt for a Stylus compartment (+$10) and silver Pro Stylus (+$10). This is really not a bad price for both considering that a Stylus alone can cost just as much. Laser engraving on the pen is also available (+$5).

Alas, consumers can choose the IntelliStand (+$20), which transforms the design into something more like a traditional folio tablet case . This feature consists of two magnets underneath the left side of the frame and a folding crease on the back cover. The frame lifts off and slides over to connect with magnets on the inside cover, offering two different viewing angles (70-degree and 90-degree) in landscape format. Without this upgrade, users can still prop the case like a tent for a viewing angle (around 70-degree to 80-degree). But the special feature works much better, and certainly worth the extra cost of having a more reliably stable tablet stand . With or without the IntelliStand upgrade, the cover can be folded all the way back for a 10-degree typing support.

Features

Fits all models of iPad 2 and The New iPad 3: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G
Automatic Sleep/Wake feature - Just like the Apple® Smart Cover!
Exclusive Audio-Flow™ Sound Chamber enhances audio quality and directs it toward the user
Hand sanded American Maple frames with Smooth radius corners for a truly unique look
Double-Glued elastic band won't ever come undone!
The elastic band covers the camera when the cover is closed.
Optional Magna-Grip™ cover eliminates the elastic band for a cleaner look

Editor's Rating 4.0 out of 5 stars

Rating	Description
	Design: N/A
3.5	Functionality: The basic Wingtip provides auto sleep/wake function and clear access to iPad buttons, input/output ports and speaker. And the special Audio-flow chamber design enhances sound quality and directs it toward the user. Folding the cover back provides a suitable angle for typing. Depending on the surface, propping the case for viewing is hit-or-miss.
4.0	Protection: Rubber pad inserts hold the iPad extremely secure inside the frame. With the case held upside down and shaken quite fiercely, the tablet still won't budge. The Wingtip will protect the iPad against everyday occurrences and light accidental drops.
5.0	Quality: The elastic band is reinforced with double glue. Silky smooth hand sanded wood frame design with radius corners to match the iPad and book spine shape. Everything about Portenzo craftsmanship is top-quality, and their cases are backed by a 90 day warranty against manufacturing defects like faulty fit or function.
3.5	Value: $74.95 is roughly 25% higher than the average starting cost for a customized book case. And not enough included function makes this basic Wingtip a mediocre value at best. Oddly enough, the case can conceivably become more valuable if one shells out the extra bucks for enhanced function.
4.0	Overall: Good Traditional book bound tablet cases generally come at a high cost. And Portenzo designs are no exception. In its purest form, the Wingtip Edition offers specific customized looks to emerge from the pack as a best case scenario.